Posted:05-February-2026
Chaiiwala celebrates successful pop-ups in Texas as brand prepares for US launch
Chaiiwala, the UK’s leading Indian street food café brand, has successfully hosted a series of US pop-up events in Houston, Texas, as the brand prepares for its official US launch in 2026.
Founded in Leicester in 2015, Chaiiwala is known for its authentic and carefully brewed Karak chaii and unique, high-quality street food bursting with traditional flavours. The brand offers a delicious and unique alternative at various mealtimes – from breakfast roti wraps in the morning to Bombay Bowls and Toasties throughout the day as well as indulgent sweet treats. All meals are made with premium and traditional ingredients and based on closely guarded recipes inspired by Indian home cooking.
As global demand for high-quality, Indian street food increases, Chaiiwala is preparing the ground for its US launch, which is expected later in 2026. With Houston, Texas identified as a key priority market, Chaiiwala used its pop-ups as an opportunity to introduce local consumers and prospective franchisees to its much-loved dishes. This included its world-famous Karak chai as well as showcasing Chaiiwala’s menu made with authentic Indian flavours.
Chaiiwala anticipates opening its first US store in 2026 and is currently exploring local partnership and franchise opportunities, with the company’s operations in Canada making the US a natural step for the business. Today, Chaiiwala operates 23 locations across Canada, with significant white space to continue expanding.
Its North American expansion aligns with its ambitious expansion strategy. Over the next 12 months, Chaiiwala is aiming to strengthen its global footprint with new stores both in the UK and in international markets. This will build on a successful year for Chaiiwala, which saw the Group open multiple new stores in a variety of new formats and location types.
Nazibur Rahman, Country Manager, US & Canada, at Chaiiwala, said: “2026 is going to be a big year for Chaiiwala in North America. With 23 stores in Canada, the US is a natural next step for the business and we have identified multiple opportunities across different states with proven operators who recognise the demand for our authentic street food style menu and Karak chaii. Our recent pop-up was a first taster for consumers in Houston – a city that we believe has great potential for Chaiiwala in the short-term – and a total success. Now, we are focused on continuing our conversations with local partners and franchisees and bringing our high-quality, authentic menu to the market with a permanent fixture.”
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